IASF CHEER LEGALITY

RULES
2019-20
 IASF GLOSSARY
Aerial: Cartwheel or walkover in which the athlete’s hands do not touch the ground.

Airborne: Free of contact with a person and/or the performing surface.

Backbend (stunting): Athlete’s body forms an arch, typically supported by the hands and feet with the abdomen facing upwards.

Backward Roll: A non-airborne tumbling skill where the athlete’s body is rotated backwards through an inverted position by lifting the
hips over the head/shoulders and curving the back with knees tucked, landing on the feet.

Ball-X: Top person goes from a tucked position to a straddle/x position with the arms and legs or just the legs usually during a toss.

Barrel Roll: See “log roll”

Base: A person who provides support for a top person. The person(s) that holds, lifts, or tosses a top person into a stunt. Must be in direct
physical contact with the performing surface. If there is only one person under a top person’s foot, regardless of hand placement, that
person is considered a base. A base may not support any weight of a top person while the base is in backbend or inverted position

Basket Toss: A toss involving 2 or 3 bases and a spotter, in which 2 of the bases use their hands to interlock wrists.

Block Cartwheel: A cartwheel which becomes airborne when the tumbler pushes through the shoulders against the performing surface
during the skill.

Brace/Bracer: A brace is the physical connection from one top person to another top person that helps provide stability. A top person’s
hair and/or uniform is not a legal body part to use while bracing a pyramid or pyramid transition. A bracer is a top person in direct physical
contact with another top person that helps provide stability. A required bracer cannot pass through an inverted position during a transition.

Braced flip: A stunt in which a top person performs a hip-over-head rotation while in physical contact with another top person.

Cartwheel: A tumbling skill where the athlete remains in contact with the performing surface, rotating sideways, where the hands make
contact one at a time while the body inverts and lands one foot at a time in an upright position.

Catcher(s): Person(s) responsible for the safe landing of a top person during a stunt/dismount/toss/release. All catchers must be attentive,
must not be involved in other choreography, must not be involved in anything that could prevent them from catching, must make physical
contact with the top person upon catching, and must be on the performing surface when the skill is initiated.

Chair: A prep level stunt in which the base(s) supports the ankle of the top person with one hand underneath the seat of the top person
with the other hand. The supported leg must be in a vertical position underneath the top person.
Coed Style Toss: A single base grabs the top person at the waist and tosses the top person from ground level.

Cradle: A dismount in which the top person is caught in a cradle position(top person lands in a “V”/pike/hollow body position with face up,
legs straight and together below prep level with bases supporting the top person by wrapping arms under the back and under the legs of the
top person).

Cupie: A stunt where the top person is in an upright, standing position and has both feet together in the hand(s) of the base(s). Also
referred to as an “Awesome”.

Dismount: The ending movement from a stunt or pyramid that is released to a cradle or released to the performing surface. If released to
the performing surface, top person must land on their feet. No stunt, pyramid, individual or prop may move over or under a dismount, and a
dismount may not be thrown over, under, or through stunts, pyramids, individuals or props. Dismounts may not intentionally travel.
Tension drops/rolls of any kind are not allowed. Dismounts must return to original base(s) unless dismounting single based stunts with
multiple top persons. Dismounts to the performance surface require assistance from the original base/spotter unless performing a straight
drop/small hop off with no additional skills from waist level or below to the performing surface. Top persons may not be or come in contact
with each other while released from bases. All multi-based waist level cradles in which the bases begin underneath the top person’s feet will
be considered a toss, and must follow toss rules.

Dive Roll: An airborne skill that begins with a horizontal forward diving motion and results in a forward roll.

Downward Inversion: A stunt or pyramid in which an inverted person’s center of gravity is moving towards the performing surface.

Drop: Dropping to the knee, thigh, seat, front, back, or split position onto the performing surface from an airborne position or inverted
position without first bearing weight on the hands/feet which breaks the impact of the drop.

Extended Arm Level: The highest point of a base’s arm(s), (not spotter’s arms), when standing upright with the arm(s) fully extended over
the head.

Extended Stunt: When the entire body of the top person is above the head of the base(s). If the primary base(s) squat, go to their knees or
drop the overall height of the stunts while extending their arms (excluding floor stunts), the skill would be considered extended. Stunts
where the base(s) arms are extended overhead, but are NOT considered “Extended Stunts” since the height of the body of the top person is
similar to a prep level stunt are: chairs, torches, flat backs, straddle lifts, suspended rolls and leap frogs.

Flat Back: A stunt in which the top person is in a face-up, straight-body position parallel to the performing surface. This is considered a two
leg stunt.

Flat Body: When the top person’s torso is parallel to the performing surface.

Flip: In stunting, a skill that passes through an inverted position with hip-over-head rotation without contact with a base or the performing
surface. In tumbling, a skill that involves passing through an inverted position with hip-over-head rotation without contact with the
performing surface.
Flipping Toss: A toss where the top person rotates through an inverted position.

Floor Stunt: Base lying on the performing surface on their back with their arm(s) extended. This is considered a waist level stunt.

Flyer: See “Top Person”.

Forward Roll: A non-airborne tumbling skill where the athlete’s body is rotated forward through an inverted position by lifting the hips
over the head/shoulders and curving the back with knees tucked, landing on the feet.

Free Flipping Stunt: A stunt release move that involves a top person passing through an inverted position with hip-over-head rotation
without physical contact with a base, brace, or the performing surface. This does not include Release Moves that start inverted and rotate to
non-inverted.

Free Release Move: A release move in which the top person becomes free of contact with all bases, bracers, or the performing surface.

Front Tuck: A tumbling skill in which the athlete generates momentum upward to perform a forward flip in a tuck position.

Full: A 360 degree twisting rotation.

Ground Level: On the performing surface.

Hand/Arm Connection: The physical contact between two or more athletes using the hand(s)/arm(s). The shoulder is not considered a
legal connection when hand/arm connection is required.

Handspring: An airborne tumbling skill where the body springs from the feet onto the hands and lands back on the feet, either forward or
backwards, while rotating through a handstand position

Handstand: A skill that involves supporting the body in an inverted, vertical position by balancing on the hands where the arms of the
athlete are extended straight by the head and ears.

Helicopter: A stunt where a top person in a horizontal position is tossed to rotate around a vertical axis (like helicopter blades) before
being caught by original bases.

Horizontal Axis(Twisting in Stunts): An invisible line drawn from front to back through the belly button of a non-upright top person.

Initiation/Initiating: The beginning of a skill; the point from which it originates. The point of initiation for building skills is the bottom of
the dip from which the skill originates.

Inversion/Inverted: Athlete has at least one foot above the head, and shoulders the below waist.
Jump: An airborne position not involving hip-over-head rotation created by using one’s own feet and lower body power to push off the
performing surface.

Jump Skill: A skill which involves a change in body position during a jump. i.e. toe touch, pike, etc. A “straight jump” with a turn does not
make the jump a “jump skill”. If a jump is included in a tumbling pass, the jump will break up the pass.

Layout: An airborne tumbling skill or toss skill which involves a hip-over-head rotation in a stretched, hollow body position.

Leap Frog: A stunt in which a top person is transitioned from one set of bases to another, or back to the original bases, by passing over the
torso and through the extended arms of the base. The top person remains upright and stays in continuous contact with the base while
transitioning. Leap Frog Variations involve a top person transitioning over the torso of a base and/or another top person.

Leg/Foot Connection: The physical contact between two or more athletes using the leg(s)/foot (feet). Any connection from the shin to the
toe is considered a legal connection when leg/foot connection is allowed.

Liberty: A stunt in which the base(s) hold one foot of the top person while the other foot is next to the knee by bending the leg.

Load-In: A stunting position in which the top person has at least one foot in the base(s) hands. The base(s) hands are at waist level.

Log Roll: A release move that is initiated at waist level, in which the top person’s body typically rotates 360 degrees while remaining
parallel to the performing surface. An “Assisted Log Roll” would be the same skill, with assistance from a base that maintains contact
throughout the transition.

Multi-based Stunt: A stunt having 2 or more bases not including the spotter.

New Base(s): Base(s) previously not in direct contact with the top person of a stunt.

Non-Inverted Position: A body position in which either of the conditions below are met:
1. The top person's shoulders are at or above
their waist.
 2. The top person’s shoulders are below their waist and both feet are below their head.

Onodi: A back handspring with a half turn to the hands where the athlete finishes with a front handspring.

Original Base(s): Base(s) which is in contact with the top person during the initiation of the skill/stunt.

Pancake: A downward inversion stunt in which both of the top person's legs/feet remain in the grip of a base(s) while performing a fold
over/pike forward rotation to be caught on the top person's back.

Paper Dolls: Single-leg stunts bracing each other while in the single leg position. The stunts may or may not be extended.

Pike: Body bent forward at the hips with legs straight and together
Prep Level: The lowest connection between the base(s) and the top person is above waist level and below extended level.
i.e. prep,
shoulder level hitch, shoulder sit.
A stunt may also be considered at Prep-Level if the arm(s) of the base(s) are extended overhead, but are
NOT considered “Extended Stunts” since the height of the body of the top person is similar to a shoulder/prep level stunt. i.e. flat back,
straddle lifts, chair, T-lift. If the primary base(s) squat, go to their knees or drop the overall height of the stunt with the lowest connection
being at prep level, the skill would be considered Prep Level.
A stunt is considered below Prep Level if at least one foot of the top person is
at waist level, as determined by the height/positioning of the base. (Exception: chair, T-lift and shoulder sit are prep level stunts)

Primary Support: Supporting a majority of the weight of the top person.

Prone: Flat body, face downward position.

Prop: An object that can be manipulated. Flags, banners, signs, pom pons, megaphones, and pieces of cloth are the only props allowed. Any
uniform piece purposefully removed from the body and used for visual effect will be considered a prop.

Punch Front: See “Front Tuck”.

Pyramid: Two or more connected stunts.

Rebound: An airborne position not involving hip-over-head rotation, where the athlete uses one’s own feet and lower body power to
bounce off the performing surface from a tumbling skill.

Release Move: The top person is free of contact with all athletes on the performing surface. May not pass over, under or through other
stunts, pyramids, individuals, or props. Top persons in separate release moves may not be or come in contact with each other. No single
based split catches. To determine the height of a release move, at the highest point of the release, the distance from the top person’s hips to
the extended arms of the bases will be used to determine the height of the release. If that distance is greater than the length of the top
person’s legs (Level 3-4), or greater than the length of the top person’s legs plus an additional 18 in/46cm (Level 5-7), it will be considered a
toss or dismount, and must follow the appropriate “Toss” or “Dismount” rules. All multi-based waist level cradles in which the bases begin
underneath the top person’s feet will be considered a toss, and must follow toss rules.

Rewind: A backward free-flipping release move from ground level used as an entrance skill into a stunt.

Round off: Similar to a cartwheel, except the athlete lands with two feet placed together on the performing surface instead of one foot at a
time, facing the direction from which they started.

Running Tumbling: Tumbling that involves a forward step or a hurdle used to gain momentum as an entry to a tumbling skill.

Second Level: Any person being supported above the performing surface by one or more bases.

Series Front or Back Handsprings: Two or more front or back handsprings performed consecutively by an athlete.
Shoulder Level: A stunt in which the connection between the base(s) and top person is at shoulder height of the base(s).

Shoulder Sit: A stunt in which a top person sits on the shoulder(s) of a base(s). This is considered a prep level stunt.

Shoulder Stand: A stunt in which an athlete stands on the shoulder(s) of a base(s).

Shushunova: A straddle jump (toe touch) landing on the performing surface in a prone/push-up position.

Single Based Stunt: A stunt using a single base for support.

Single Leg Stunt: See "Stunt".

Split Catch: A stunt with a top person who is in an upright position having knees forward. The base(s) is holding both inner thighs as the
top person typically performs a high "V" motion, creating an "X" with the body.

Sponge Toss: A stunt similar to a basket toss in which the top person is tossed from the “Load In” position. The top person has both feet in
the bases’ hands prior to the toss.

Spotter: A person responsible for preventing injuries of a top person during a stunt, pyramid, or toss by protecting the head, neck, back and
shoulder area. A spotter must be your own team members and trained in proper spotting techniques. Must be standing on the performing
surface. Must be attentive to the stunt being performed and may not be involved in anything that could prevent them from spotting such as
holding a sign. Must be able to touch the base of the stunt for which they are spotting. May not stand so their torso is under the stunt. May
grab the wrist(s) of the base(s), other parts of the base(s) arms, the top person(s) legs/ankles or does not have to touch the stunt at all. May
not have both hands under the sole of the top person’s foot/feet or under the hands of the bases. If the spotter’s hand is under the top
person’s foot, it must be their front hand, and their back hand may be placed at the back of the ankle/leg of the top person or on the back
side of the back wrist of the base. May not be both a base and the required spotter at the same time. If there is only one person under a top
person’s foot, regardless of hand placement, that person is considered a base.

Standing Tumbling: 
A tumbling skill (series of skills) performed from a standing position without any previous forward momentum. Any
number of steps backward prior to execution of tumbling skill(s) is still defined as "standing tumbling."

Step Out: 
A tumbling skill that lands on one foot at a time as opposed to landing on both feet simultaneously. 


Straddle Lift: 
See “ V-Sit”. 


Straight Cradle: 
A release move/dismount from a stunt to a cradle position where the top person keeps their body in a “Straight Ride”
position -- no skill (i.e. turn, kick, twist, pretty girl, etc.) is performed. 


Straight Ride: 
The body position of a top person performing a toss or dismount that doesn’t involve any trick in the air. It is a straight line
position that teaches the top to reach and to obtain maximum height on toss. 

Stunt: Any skill in which a top person is supported above the performance surface by one or more persons. A stunt is determined to be "One
Leg" or "Two Leg" by the number of feet that the top person has being supported by a base(s). If the top person is not supported under any
foot, then the number of legs in which the top person is supported will determine if it is a "One Leg" or a "Two Leg" stunt. Exception: If a top
person is in a V-sit, pike position or flat body position the stunt will be considered a “Two Leg” stunt.

Suspended Roll: A stunt skill that involves hip-over-head rotation from the top person while connected with hand/arm to hand/arm of the
base(s). Each hand/arm of the top person must be connected to a separate hand/arm of the base(s). The base(s) may have their arms
extended and will release the feet/legs during the rotation of the skill. This is considered a prep level stunt.

T-Lift:
A stunt in which a top person with arms in a t-motion is supported on either side by two bases that connects with each of the hands and
under the arms of the top person. The top person remains in a non-inverted, vertical position while being supported in the stunt.

Tension Roll/Drop: A pyramid/stunt in which the base(s) and top(s) lean forward in unison until the top person(s) leaves the base(s)
without assistance. Traditionally the top person(s) and/or base(s) perform a forward roll after becoming free from contact from each other.

Three Quarter (3/4) Front Flip: (Stunt) A forward hip-over-head rotation in which a top person is released from an upright position to a
cradle position. (Tumble) A forward hip-over-head rotation from an upright position to a seated position on the ground, with the hands
and/or feet landing first.

Tic-Tock: A stunt that is held in a static position on one leg, base(s) dip and release top person in an upward fashion, as the top person
switches their weight to the other leg and lands in a static position on their opposite leg.

Toe/Leg Pitch: A single or multi-based stunt in which the base(s) toss upward traditionally using a single foot or leg of the top person to
increase the top person’s height.

Top Person: The athlete(s) being supported above the performance surface in a stunt, pyramid or toss.

Toss: An airborne stunt where base(s) execute a throwing motion initiated from waist level to increase the height of the top person. The top
person becomes free from all contact of bases, bracers and/or other top persons. The top person is free from performing surface when toss
is initiated (ex: basket toss or sponge toss). Requires a minimum of 3, maximum of 4 tossing bases. All bases must have feet on the
performing surface. Tosses must be caught in cradle position by at least 3 bases one of which is positioned at the head and shoulder area of
the top person. The bases must remain stationary during toss. Top person must have both feet in/on hands of bases at initiation of toss. No
stunt, pyramid, individual, or prop may move over or under a toss, and a toss may not be thrown over, under, or through stunts, individuals
or props. Top persons in separate tosses may not come in contact with each other. Only a single top person is allowed during a toss. All
multi-based waist level cradles in which the bases begin underneath the top person’s feet will be considered a toss, and must follow toss
rules.
Note: Toss to hands, toss to extended stunts and toss chair are NOT included in this category. (See Release Moves).
Twisting Tosses: Twisting is cumulative. All twisting up to 1 ¼ is considered 1 skill, exceeding 1 ¼ up to 2 ¼ is two skills. ie. A ½ twist, X,
½ twist is considered 2 skills: 1 full twist and 1 additional skill.
Tower Pyramid: A stunt on top of a waist level stunt.

Transitional Pyramid: A top person moving from one position to another in a pyramid. The transition may involve changing bases
provided at least one athlete at prep level or below maintains constant contact with the top person.

Transitional Stunt: Top person or top persons moving from one stunt position to another thereby changing the configuration of the
beginning stunt. Each point of initiation is used in determining the beginning of a transition. The end of a transition is defined as a new point
of initiation, a stop of movement, and/or the top person making contact with the performance surface.

Traveling Toss: A toss which intentionally requires the bases or catchers to travel in a certain direction to catch the top person. (This does
not include a quarter or half turn by the bases in tosses such as a “Kick Full”).

Tuck Position: A body position where the knees and hips are bent and drawn into the chest.

Tumbling: Any hip-over-head skill that is not supported by a base that begins and ends on the performing surface. When no tumbling is
allowed after a particular tumbling skill, at least one step into the next tumbling skill must be included to separate the two passes. Stepping
out of a skill is considered a continuation of the same tumbling pass and an additional step is needed to separate the passes. If the athlete
finishes the skill with both feet together, only one step is needed to create a new tumbling pass.

Twist/Twisting: An athlete performing a rotation around their body’s vertical axis. (vertical axis=head to toe axis). Twisting tumbling
skills involve hip-over-head rotation around athlete’s vertical axis. Twisting in stunts is counted on two separate axes, the vertical and
horizontal axis. Simultaneous twisting on both axes will be counted separately and not cumulatively. The degree of twist is determined by
the total cumulative rotation of the top person’s hips in relation to the performing surface (Once a stunt is hit, and the top person shows a
clear and definite stop, they may continue to walk the stunt in additional rotation). A new twisting transition begins with a dip by the bases
and/or change in direction of the twisting rotation.

Two – High Pyramid: A pyramid in which all top persons are primarily supported by a base(s) who is in direct weight- bearing contact with
the performing surface. Any time a top person is released from their base(s) in a “Pyramid Release Move”, regardless of the height of the
release, this top person would be considered “passing above two persons high”. “Passing above two persons high” does not relate to the
actual height of the top person but to the number of layers to which they are connected.

Two and One Half (2 ½ ) – High Pyramid: A pyramid in which the top person(s) has weight bearing support (not braced) by at least one
other top person and is free of contact from the base(s). Pyramid height for a “Two and One Half High Pyramid” is measured by body lengths
as follows: chairs, thigh stands and shoulder straddles are 1 ½ body lengths; shoulder stands are 2 body lengths; extended stunts (i.e.
extension, liberty, etc.) are 2 ½ body lengths.
“Above Two and One Half (2 ½ ) High Pyramid” is a partially/fully upright prep level Middle Layer holding a fully upright prep level stunt.
Exception: 2 ½ high chairs are considered 2 ½ high pyramids.

Upright: A body position of a top person in which the athlete is in a standing or sitting position while being supported by a base(s). ie. star,
liberty, v-sit.
V-Sit: A top person’s body position when sitting in a stunt with straight legs parallel to the performing surface in a “V” position. This is
considered a two-leg stunt.

Vertical Axis (Twisting in Stunts or Tumbling): An invisible line drawn from head to toe through the body of the tumbling athlete or top
person.

Waist Level: A stunt in which the lowest connection between the base(s) and the top person is above ground level and below prep level
and/or at least one foot of the top person is below prep level, as determined by the height/positioning of the base. Examples of stunts that
are considered waist level: All 4s position based stunts, a nugget-based stunt. A chair and a shoulder sit are considered prep level stunts, not
waist level.

Waist Level Cradle: A release move that initiates below prep level and is caught in a cradle position. All multi-based waist level cradles in
which the bases begin underneath the top person’s feet will be considered a toss, and must follow toss rules.

Walkover: A non-airborne tumbling skill where the athlete leans forward to a handstand and brings the legs over and back down to the
floor one at a time(front walkover) or by arching backwards similar to a handstand and lands on the feet one at a time(back walkover) with
support of one or both hands.

Wrap Around: A stunt transition that involves a single base holding a top person in a cradle position releasing the legs of the top person
and swings the legs around the back of the base. The base then wraps their free arm around the legs of the top person with the top person’s
body wrapped around the back of the base.

Whip: A non-twisting, backward-traveling, aerial tumbling skill in which the athlete’s feet rotate over their head and body, while the body
remains in a stretched upper back position. A “Whip” has the look of a back handspring without the hands contacting the ground.

X-Out: A tumbling skill or toss in which an athlete performs a flip while spreading the arms and legs into an “x” fashion during the rotation
of the flip.
Please consult the glossary and the rules for further explanations and restrictions when interpreting the stunt level.
 GENERAL SAFETY RULES AND ROUTINE REQUIREMENTS

1. All athletes must be supervised during all official functions by a qualified director/coach. 

2. Coaches must require proficiency before skill progression. Coaches must consider the athlete, group and team skill 
levels with regard to proper
performance level placement. 

3. All teams, gyms, coaches and directors must have an emergency response plan in the event of an injury. 

4. Athletes and coaches may not be under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, performance enhancing substances or 
over-the-counter medications
that would hinder the ability to supervise or execute a routine safely, while 
participating in a practice or performance. 

5. Technical skills (stunts, pyramids, tosses or 
tumbling) may not be performed on concrete, asphalt, wet or uneven surfaces or surfaces with
obstructions during practice or a performance. 

6. Soft-soled shoes must be worn while competing. No dance shoes/boots, and/or gymnastics slippers (or similar) 
allowed. Shoes must have a solid
sole. 

7. Jewelry of any kind is prohibited (e.g., navel jewelry, tongue jewelry, earrings, necklaces, pins on uniforms, etc.) and must be removed.
Rhinestones may not be adhered to the skin. Medical bracelets are allowed provided they are taped to the body.
8. Any height increasing apparatus used to propel an athlete is not allowed. Exception: spring floor. 

9. Props are not necessary for the performance of a routine. If props are used in a routine the prop must receive pre-approval from the IASF, prior to
use, to ensure the safety of the athletes. Flags, banners, signs, pom pons, megaphones and pieces of cloth are the only props allowed. Props may
not have sharp, unyielding, and/or pointed edges and may not obstruct, or potentially obstruct, the athlete’s vision. No prop may be weight-
bearing and/or athletes are not permitted to bear weight on any prop. Props with poles or similar support apparatus may not be used in
conjunction with any kind of stunt or tumbling. All props must be safely discarded out of harm’s way (example: throwing a hard sign across the
mat from a stunt would be illegal). Once a uniform piece is purposefully used for visual effect it will be considered a prop.
10. Supports, braces and soft casts which are unaltered from the manufacturer’s original design/production do not require any additional padding.
Supports/braces and soft casts that have been altered from the manufacturer’s original design/production must be padded with a closed-cell,
slow-recovery foam padding no less than one-half inch thick if the participant is involved in stunts, pyramids or tosses. A participant wearing a
hard cast (example: fiberglass or plaster) or a walking boot must not be involved in stunts, pyramids, tumbling or tosses.
11. On the level grid, all skills allowed at a particular level encompass all skills allowed in the preceding level. If a skill is not allowed in a particular
level, it is also not allowed in the preceding level(s). 

12. Required spotters for all skills must be your own team’s members, and be trained in proper spotting techniques.
13. Drops including but not limited to knee, seat, front, back and split drops from a jump, stunt, or inverted position 
are not allowed unless the
majority of the weight is first borne on the hands or feet, which breaks the impact of the drop. Shushunovas are allowed.
Clarification: Drops that
include any weight bearing contact with the hands and feet are not in clear violation of this rule. 

14. Timing will begin with the first movement, voice, or note of music, whichever comes first. Timing will end with the last movement, last voice, or
note of music, whichever comes last. Routine performance time may not exceed 2:30. Non-tumbling routines may not exceed 2:00. Global
routines may not exceed 3:30(30-40 seconds for opening Cheer portion, 20 second maximum to move from cheer portion and set up for music
portion, and music portion may not exceed 2:30). 

15. Athletes must have at least one foot, hand or body part (other than hair) on the performing surface when the routine begins. Exception: Athletes
may have their feet in the hands of base(s) if the base(s) hands are resting on the performing surface. 

16. The competitors who begin a routine must remain the same throughout the course of a routine. A performer is not permitted to be “replaced” by
another performer during the routine.
17. An athlete must not have gum, candy, cough drops or other such edible or non-edible items, which may cause choking, in her/his mouth during
practice and/or performance.
 TUMBLING
LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5 6
A. GENERAL ½ rebound to prone NO dive rolls in arched NO dive rolls in arched NO dive rolls in arched NO dive rolls in arched Dive rolls may not twist
allowed or swan position and or swan position and or swan position and or swan position and
may not twist may not twist may not twist may not twist
May jump/rebound over an NO dive rolls
individual; May rebound from
feet into a stunt transition;
When rebounding into a stunt
transition, may not rebound
to inverted or through an
inverted position; NO
tumbling over, under, or
through a stunt, individual or
prop; NO tumbling while
holding/contact with prop

B. STANDING Skills with constant Single handspring Series handsprings; Standing flips and flips Jump flip; Up to 1 Up to 1 flipping and 2
physical contact with Jump in combination from a back handspring flipping and 0 twisting twisting rotations; If
the performing surface NO twisting or turning with handspring(s) entry; 1 flip and 0 rotation exceeds 1 twist, must be
such as cartwheels, allowed after back twisting; Aerials(front preceded by a minimum
rolls, walkovers, handspring step out; NO NO flips allowed; NO walkover and of 2 non-twisting,
handstands jump skills connected to twisting while airborne cartwheel) and Onodis backward traveling
handspring; NO twisting except round-offs are allowed. tumbling skills, (one
Blocked cartwheels while airborne except must be back
allowed round offs NO jump flip or handspring, excludes
consecutive flip/flip back extension roll)

NO flipping and twisting

into a double twisting
skill. NO twisting out of
a double twisting skill.

C. RUNNING Skills with constant Handspring series Round off or round off 1 flipping and 0 Up to 1 flipping and 1 Up to 1 flipping and 2
physical contact with back handspring(s) into twisting; twisting rotation from a twisting rotations
the performing surface NO twisting or turning back tuck; Aerial Aerial cartwheels/ round off, back
such as cartwheels, allowed after back cartwheels; Front tucks; walkovers, and Onodis handspring or front NO flipping and twisting
rolls, walkovers handspring step out; NO ¾ front flips allowed handspring entry. into a double twisting
twisting while airborne skill. NO twisting out of
Blocked cartwheels and except round offs NO tumbling after a tuck NO trick allowed during a double twisting skill.
round offs allowed or aerial cartwheel; NO full twisting skills and
tumbling prior to front must land with both feet
NO tumbling tuck; NO twisting while on the performing
immediately after round airborne except round surface. NO tumbling
off or round off rebound offs and aerial after full twisting skill.
cartwheels
 STUNTS-PAGE 1
LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5 6
A. SPOTTERS Prep level and above; Above prep level; Floor Above prep level; Single Above prep level; Single Above prep level; Single Above prep level; Single
Floor stunt stunt based stunts with based stunts with based stunts with based stunts with
Exception: Shoulder sit, T- multiple top persons multiple top persons multiple top persons multiple top persons
lift, Stunts only supported require spotter for each require spotter for each require spotter for each require spotter for each
at waist top person top person top person top person

B. STUNT HEIGHT
NO single based or assisted
single based extended
stunts for Youth and below
but may pass above prep
level if allowed
Waist level single leg; Prep Prep level single leg (may Above prep level single Above prep level single Above prep level single Above prep level single
level two leg (may pass pass above prep level); leg leg leg leg
above prep level); Prep Above prep level two leg
level single leg with
additional base with NO single based stunts
hand/arm connection to with multiple top persons
top person prior to
initiation; Walk up
shoulder stand

NO single based stunts

with multiple top persons
C. TRANSITION
D. TWISTING
EXCEPTION: Rebound ½
E. RELEASE
MOVES
Requires 3 catchers for
multi-based stunt, and 2
catchers for single based
stunt that lands in a
horizontal position; May
not land inverted; May not
intentionally travel; Must
return to original base(s);
NO free flips(see
Exception for Level 6)
Must remain in contact Must remain in contact
with at least one base with at least one base
No leap frog/leap frog
variations
Up to ¼ Up to ½ twist
EXCEPTION: Single full
turn to prone; Wrap twisting log roll with no
around; Up to ½ twist additional skills that
starts & ends on starts and ends in cradle
performing surface and position
only supported at the
waist
Not allowed other than Not allowed other than
dismounts dismounts, tosses, and
full twisting log rolls with
no additional skills that
start and end in a cradle
position
Must remain in contact Must remain in contact See release moves See release moves
with at least one base with at least one base
unless legal as release unless legal as release
move move
Up to 1 twist to prep Up to 1 ½ twists Up to 2 ¼ twists Up to 2 ¼ twists
level or below; Up to ½
twist to extended single
leg; Up to 1 twist to
extended two legged
Starts at waist level or Starts at prep or below if Does not exceed 18 Does not exceed 18
below and lands at prep lands at extended; May inches/46 cm above Inches/46cm above bases’
level or below; May not not exceed extended arm bases’ extended arm extended arm level; Inverted
to non-inverted up to ½
exceed extended arm level; 2 skills; Helicopters level; Helicopters 180 twist, requires spotter if
level; 1 skill and 0 180 degrees with 0 degrees, 3 catchers; lands at prep level or above;
twisting twisting, 3 catchers; Inverted to non- Helicopters 180 degrees, 3
EXCEPTION: Inverted to non-inverted inverted with 0 catchers
Log rolls up to one twist with 0 twisting, requires twisting, requires
and must land in cradle, spotter if lands at prep spotter if lands at prep May not pass through an
flat back or prone level or above level or above inverted position
EXCEPTION (EXCLUDES
NO helicopters; May not NO twisting to and from May not pass through JUNIOR 6): Rewinds are
involve inversions an extended stunt; May an inverted position allowed 1 flipping, 0 twisting,
not pass through an requires minimum of 1
inverted position. catcher/1 spotter for single
based stunt, minimum of 2
catchers/1 spotter for multi-
based stunt. Leg pitch, toe
pitch or similar type tosses
not allowed to initiate skill;
No tumbling prior to rewind
 STUNTS-PAGE 2
LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5 6
F. INVERSIONS Not allowed Ground level inversions Prep Level Extended Extended Extended
(Inverted athlete must that transition directly to
maintain contact with non-inverted position. Suspended rolls that
performing surface) exceed ½ twist must land
in cradle

G. DOWNWARD
INVERSIONS
Downward inversions
may not come in contact
with each other; Must
maintain contact with
original base
EXCEPTION: Original
base may lose contact
when becomes necessary
to do so such as in
cartwheel-style
transitions
Not allowed Not allowed Waist level or below Prep level with 3 Above prep level with 3 Above prep level with 3
(may pass through prep catchers (may pass above catchers, 2 in contact catchers, 2 in contact
level); Must have 2 prep level), 2 in contact between waist and between waist and
catchers in contact between waist and shoulder region of top shoulder region of top
between waist and shoulder region of top person person
shoulder region of torso person
of top person EXCEPTION: Controlled From above/passes From above/passes
lowering of extended above prep level may not above prep level may not
NO 2 leg pancake style inverted stunt to prep land, stop or touch the land, stop or touch the
stunts level ground inverted ground inverted
If passes above prep level EXCEPTIONS: Lowering EXCEPTIONS: Lowering
may not land, stop or of extended inverted of extended inverted
touch the ground stunt to prep level, stunt to prep level,
inverted passing above prep level passing above prep level
EXCEPTION: Controlled to prep level, or from to prep level, or from
lowering of extended extended non-inverted to extended non-inverted to
inverted stunt to prep inverted stunt at prep inverted stunt at prep
level level level

H. OVER/UNDER Arms and Legs allowed Arms and Legs allowed Arms and Legs Allowed Individual under stunt; Allowed Allowed
stunt over an individual

Stunt or individual
passing over/under a
separate stunt or
individual
 PYRAMIDS-PAGE 1
LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5 6
A. GENERAL Must follow stunt and dismount rules and allowed up to 2 high; Top person must receive primary support from a base unless legal as a release
transition; Released transitions may not come in contact with other stunt/pyramid release moves; Required catchers/spotters must be stationary,
must maintain visual contact with the top person throughout the entire transition, and may not be involved in any other skill or choreography when
the transition is initiated; Primary weight may not be borne at second level.
B. STRUCTURES Two leg extended Extended single leg No extended single leg No extended single leg
connected to prep connected to prep connected to extended connected to extended
level or below bracer level or below bracer stunt single leg stunt
(Single based or assisted with hand/arm with hand/arm
single based extended connection; Prep level connection
stunts are not allowed in single leg connected to
Youth and below; prep level or below NO extended stunt
Required bracer(s) must bracer with hand/arm connected to extended
be connected to top connection stunt
person by initiation of
skill and remain in NO extended stunt Prep level bracers
contact throughout skill) connected to extended must have both feet in
stunt the bases’ hands
unless in shoulder sit,
Prep level bracers flat back, straddle lift,
must have both feet in or shoulder stand
the bases’ hands
unless in shoulder sit,
flat back, straddle lift,
or shoulder stand
C. TWISTING- TWISTING- TWISTING- TWISTING- TWISTING- TWISTING-
Up to ¼ twist Up to ½ twist Up to 1 twist Up to Up to Up to
NON-RELEASED (Prep level bracer 1 ½ twist 2 ¼ twists 2 ¼ twists
TRANSITIONS INVERSIONS- Log rolls may not be required through
transition if exceeds ½
Must follow stunt assisted by another INVERSIONS- INVERSIONS- INVERSIONS-
twist to extended single
rules top person leg stunt) Must follow stunt Must follow stunt Must follow stunt
rules rules rules
INVERSIONS- INVERSIONS-
Must follow stunt Must follow stunt
rules rules.
EXCEPTION: Top
person may pass
through an inverted
position and must
remain in contact with
base and bracer at
prep level or below
through entire
transition, must start
and end at prep level
or below

D. RELEASED
TRANSITIONS
(Contact must be
maintained with the same
bracer/bracers throughout
the transition; Contact
must be made with a base
on the performing surface
before contact with the
bracer(s) is lost (this does
not include the uniform
or hair); If 2 bracers are
required, must be on 2
separate sides of the
body; May not be
connected/braced to top
persons above prep level;
Braced inversions/flips
may not travel downward
while inverted)
E. OVER/UNDER
Stunt, pyramid or
individual over/under a
separate stunt, pyramids
or individual
PYRAMIDS-PAGE 2
LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5 6
Not allowed other Not allowed other NON-INVERTED- NON-INVERTED- NON-INVERTED- NON-INVERTED-
than dismounts than dismounts and 2 bracers (one of 1 bracer; 2 catchers 1 bracer; 2 catchers 1 bracer; 2 catchers
tosses which must be (Minimum of 1 catcher (Minimum of 1 catcher (Minimum of 1 catcher
hand/arm to and 1 spotter) and 1 spotter) and 1 spotter)
Log rolls may not be hand/arm, the other
assisted by another may be hand/arm or TWISTING- TWISTING- TWISTING-
top person hand/arm to 1 ½ twists with 1 2 ¼ twists; 2 catchers 2 ¼ twists; 2 catchers
foot/lower leg); 2 bracer; 2 catchers (Minimum of 1 catcher (Minimum of 1 catcher
catchers; May not (Minimum of 1 catcher and 1 spotter) and 1 spotter)
change bases and 1 spotter)
EXCEPTION: Legal BRACED BRACED
stunt release moves BRACED INVERSIONS/FLIPS- INVERSIONS/FLIPS-
may be performed INVERSIONS/FLIPS- 1 bracer; Up to 1 ¼ 1 bracer; Up to 1 ¼
with 1 bracer 2 bracers; Up to 1 ¼ flipping, 0 twisting; 3 flipping and ½
flipping, 0 twisting; catchers twisting or ¾ flipping
TWISTING- May not change bases; and up to 1 twist; 3
2 bracers hand/arm 3 catchers EXCEPTION: Braced catchers
connections EXCEPTION: Braced flips that land in an
flips that land in an upright position at EXCEPTION: Non-
BRACED upright position at prep level or above twisting braced flips
INVERSIONS- prep level or above require a minimum of that land in an upright
Not allowed require a minimum of 1 catcher and 2 position at prep level
1 catcher and 2 spotters or above require a
spotters); minimum of 1 catcher
EXCEPTION: Legal and 2 spotters
stunt release moves
may be performed
with only 1 bracer
Arms and legs allowed Arms and legs allowed Arms and legs allowed No stunt over separate
stunt
Top person may not Top person may not
pass over/under torso pass over/under torso Top person may not
of another top person of another top person invert over/under
torso of another top
person
 DISMOUNTS AND TOSSES
LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5 6
A. GENERAL Single based cradles require a spotter with at least one hand-arm supporting waist to shoulder region of top person; Multi-based cradles require 2
catchers and a spotter with at least one hand-arm supporting waist to shoulder region of top person; Cradles from single based stunts with multiple
DISMOUNT top persons require 2 catchers for each top person, and catchers and bases must be stationary prior to initiation; No free flipping or assisted flipping
dismounts allowed

B. DISMOUNTS Straight pop downs, Straight pop downs, 1 ¼ twist or 1 trick 2 ¼ twist from two 2 ¼ twist; May not 2 ¼ twists
basic straight cradles basic straight cradles, from two legs; ¼ twist legs; 1 ¼ twist from exceed 3 tricks
and ¼ turn cradles cradles from single single leg; May not Dismounts from an
NO waist level cradles, leg; All dismounts exceed 2 tricks Dismounts from an inverted position may
sponge tosses or NO waist level cradles from prep level and inverted position may twist up to a 1/2
dismounts from above in Mini division above involving a trick Dismounts from an not twist
prep level in pyramids must land in cradle inverted position may
not twist
NO dismounts from an
inverted position
A. GENERAL Minimum of 3, maximum of 4 tossing bases, one base must be behind the top person; Must be caught in cradle position by at least 3 original bases one
of which is positioned at the head and shoulder area of the top person; NO flipping, inverted, or intentionally traveling tosses
TOSSES

B. TOSSES Not allowed including Straight ride 1 trick or up to 1 ¼ 2 ¼ twists; May not 2 ½ twists; May not 2 ½ twists
waist level cradles and twists exceed 2 tricks exceed 3 tricks
sponge tosses NO tosses allowed in Exception: Ball X
Mini Division If exceeds 1 ½ twists,
Arch does not count as no other skill allowed
trick
 LEVEL 7
TUMBLING
A. May jump/rebound over an individual; May rebound from feet into a stunt transition; When rebounding into a stunt transition, may not
rebound to inverted or through an inverted position (EXCEPTIONS: Cartwheel rewind, round off rewind and standing single back handspring
GENERAL rewinds allowed. NO tumbling skills prior to the cartwheel, round off or standing back handspring); NO tumbling over, under, or through a
stunt, individual, or prop; NO tumbling while holding/contact with prop; Dive rolls may NOT twist
B. Up to 1 flipping and 2 twisting rotations; If exceeds 1 twist, must be preceded by at least one backward traveling, non-twisting tumbling skill.
STANDING NO twisting out of a double twisting skill.

C. Up to 1 flipping and 2 twisting rotations

RUNNING NO twisting out of a double twisting skill.

STUNTS
A. During one-arm stunts above prep level other than cupies and liberties; When the load transition involves a release move exceeding one twist, a
release move to/from an inverted position landing at prep level or above, a free flip; Stunt with inverted top person above prep level; When the
SPOTTERS top person is released from above ground level to a one-arm stunt; Coed style tosses to a new base (base that is tossing top person may become
the spotter); Single based stunts with multiple top persons require a separate spotter for each top person

B. Above prep level single leg stunt

STUNT HEIGHT

C. 2¼
TWISTING
D. May not exceed 18 inches/46cm above extended arm level; May not land inverted (EXCEPTIONS: Ground level handstand may be released to
hand-to-hand stunt with 0 twisting and 0 flipping; Release from prep level and below to a prep level inverted position with 0 twisting and 0
RELEASE MOVES flipping); Must return to original bases (EXCEPTION 1: Coed style tosses to a new base if stunt is thrown by a single base and caught by at least
one base not involved in any other skill or choreography when transition is initiated, the original tossing base may become the spotter.
EXCEPTION 2: Toss single based stunts with multiple top persons, the original base may become the spotter); Helicopters up to 180 degree
rotation with at least 2 catchers with one positioned at head and shoulder area of top person; May not intentionally travel except for exceptions
above.
E. Must return to original bases. Originate from ground level: 1 ¼ flipping and 1 ¼ twisting rotations; Toe pitch, leg pitch or similar type tosses
ALLOWED in initiating free flipping skills; Cartwheel rewind, round off rewind, and standing single back handspring rewinds allowed with no
REWINDS/FREE tumbling skills allowed prior to the cartwheel, round off or standing back handspring. Originate from stunt: 1 ¼ flipping and ½ twisting
FLIPPING rotation; Must initiate from prep level only and must land in a cradle or horizontal position; 1 flipping rotation or less requires 2 catchers, if
TRANSITIONS exceeds 1 flipping rotation requires 3 catchers.

F. Downward inversions from above prep level require at least 2 catchers; Top person must maintain contact with a base.
EXCEPTIONS: Lowering of an inverted stunt to prep level, passing above prep level to prep level, or from an extended non-inverted to inverted
INVERSIONS stunt at prep level.
 LEVEL 7
PYRAMIDS
A. Up to 2 ½ high. EXCEPTION: Tower pyramids are allowed
GENERAL
B. Must follow stunt spotter rules. EXCEPTION: One arm extended paper dolls require a spotter for each top person.
2 ½ High Pyramid: Require a spotter in front and back for each top person on the top level in position the entire time the top person is at 2 ½
SPOTTERS high. Spotters may stand slightly to the side but must remain in position to spot top person, must maintain visual contact with the top person
the entire time the top person is at 2 ½ high level, may not be primary support of the pyramid; 2 ½ HIGH PYRAMID WITH HORIZONTAL TOP
PERSON must be on 2 of the 4 sides of pyramid, may not be on foot/feet/leg side of top person; TOWER PYRAMID requires a spotter not in
contact with the pyramid behind the top person. If a base is needed to assist middle layer, an additional spotter who is not in contact with the
pyramid is required.
C. From ground level allowed 1 flipping and 1 twisting rotation or 0 flipping and 2 ¼ twisting rotations. From above ground level allowed 1 ¼
flipping and 0 twisting or 0 flipping and 2 twisting rotations.
FREE FLYING
MOUNTS/ May not land in an inverted position; May not significantly exceed the height of intended skill; May not pass over, under or through other stunts,
TRANSITIONS pyramids, individuals or props.

D. May pass above 2 ½ high during transitions; If released from a second layer base and caught by a second layer base, the second layer base
catching the top person must be the second layer base that originally released top person; May not land inverted; May not pass over, under, or
RELEASE MOVES through a prop.

Free release moves from 2 ½ high pyramids may not land in an inverted position; Up to 0 flipping and 1 twisting rotation

E. Allowed up to 2 ½ high; Downward inversions from above prep level require assistance by at least 2 catchers and must maintain contact with a
base or another top person.
INVERSIONS

F. Up to 1 ¼ flipping and 1 twisting rotation; Requires 1 prep level or below bracer for 2 high pyramids; 2 catchers (EXCEPTION: If lands in an
upright position at prep level or above requires 1 base and 1 additional spotter); Braced inversions to 2 ½ high pyramids may be caught by 1
RELEASED BRACED person; Base/Spotter must be stationary, must maintain visual contact with the top person through transition, may not be involved with any
INVERSIONS/ FLIPS other skill or choreography when transition is initiated.
 LEVEL 7
DISMOUNTS
A. See “Dismounts” in Glossary
GENERAL

B. STUNT DISMOUNTS TO CRADLE: Up to 2 ¼ twist cradle; Dismounts that exceed 1 ¼ twists require an additional spotter that assists on the
cradle; When cradling single based stunts with multiple top persons, 2 catchers must catch each top person and must be stationary prior to
REQUIREMENTS dismount; Cradles from 1 arm stunts that involve a twist must have a spotter assisting the cradle with at least one hand-arm supporting the
head and shoulder of the top person; Free flipping dismounts to cradle up to 1 ¼ flipping and ½ twisting rotations, must originate from prep
level, require at least 2 catchers, one of which is an original base; Back flipping dismounts must go to cradle.
STUNT DISMOUNT TO PERFORMING SURFACE: Up to 2 ¼ twists; If exceeds 1 ¼ twist must be assisted by 2 catchers or 1 catcher with a
spotter; Free flipping dismounts are only allowed in front flipping rotation, up to 1 front flipping and 0 twisting rotations, must have spotter,
must originate from prep level.
2 HIGH PYRAMID DISMOUNTS TO CRADLE: Must follow stunt dismount rules.
2 ½ HIGH PYRAMID DISMOUNTS TO CRADLE: Up to 2 ¼ twists, requires 2 catchers, 1 of which must be stationary at initiation of cradle; ¾
front flip and up to ½ twist, requires 2 catchers, one on each side of the top person and 1 of which must be stationary when the cradle is
initiated.
2 ½ HIGH PYRAMID DISMOUNT TO PERFORMING SURFACE: Up to 1 ¼ twists and must be assisted by 2 catchers or 1 catcher with a
spotter.
TOSSES

A. Minimum of 3, maximum of 4 tossing bases; One base must be behind the top person during the toss and may assist the top person into the toss
(EXCEPTION 1: Tossing from one set of bases to another set of bases/catchers. EXCEPTION 2: Arabians). Must be performed from ground
GENERAL level and must land in a cradle position by at least 3 bases, one of which is positioned at the head and shoulder area of the top person.

B. Non-flipping tosses may not exceed 3 ½ twists; Flipping tosses are allowed up to 1 ¼ flipping rotation and 2 additional skills. A tuck, pike, or lay
out are not counted in the 2 additional skills.
REQUIREMENTS

C. Top persons tossed to another set of bases must be thrown by 3 or 4 stationary bases and must be caught in a cradle position by at least 3
stationary catchers. Catchers may not be involved in any other choreography and must have visual contact with top person when the toss is
FLYOVERS initiated and must maintain visual contact throughout the entire toss. The toss is allowed up to 0 flipping and 1 ½ twisting rotations or ¾ front
flips with 0 twists.
 NON-TUMBLING
A. 2:00
TIME LIMIT
B. Not allowed
EXCEPTIONS: Forward rolls, handstands, cartwheels and round offs allowed for stunting purposes or formation changes and must follow
TUMBLING appropriate level inversion rules.
EXAMPLE: Level 3 downward inversion from cradle position, “back walkover” out to the performing surface would be legal if starts at waist
level or below, has 2 catchers between the waist and shoulder region of torso of the top person as it transitions through a handstand position.

3/24/19